My current driver, which is now 11 years old (Callaway X2 Hot) vs. a 2024 or 2025 driver. For a higher handicap golfer with an inconsistent swing, will the advancements in the new drivers make a noticeable difference in my dispersion and distance? I'm just trying to figure out if I should take the plunge and upgrade. One caveat is that my current driver I just bought off the shelf whereas if I get a new driver I plan to get fitted.
Demo the new mini drivers, they have a smaller head and are usually 43 1/2-44" shafts, i don't play much anymore and they're easier to hit for me (i average about 15 yards less than full length driver), it seems most of the brands are making one now.
Drivers have advanced quite a bit in the past 11 years. They are pretty much maxed out on distance so focus has been on forgiveness, dispersion and spin. Some really nice drivers this year.
The last thing I need is to hit it 15 yards shorter than I do now!Originally Posted by DougN68
I almost exclusively play in a two-person best shot golf league and my partner typically can drive it 5-10 yards further than me, sometimes more. I tend to hit it harder than him, but my drives also tend to balloon and have a lot more spin, so he generally out-drives me. Between the advancements in technology and getting fitted for the driver, I'm hopeful that I can start being more consistent and also hit it further. If not, then I just don't see the point in spending a bunch of money just to have a newer club.
Having a consistent swing is key, a fitter will be able to set up you up with a driver and shaft that fits your swing. But if your swing is all over the place, it’s tough on them. I went from a 2006 drive to a 2024 and picked up 20 yards and more control. Found that not swinging hard is much better than trying to crush it. Only time I swing hard is if I need a hard draw off the tee.The last thing I need is to hit it 15 yards shorter than I do now!
I play a 2019/2020 era Cobra extreme driver and it is more forgiving then my drivers from around 2010 but it is neither longer or shorter. Just I can hit it off the toe and get a few yards more then with my 2012 driver. With my Cobra, I have 5 different shafts that I have experimented with over the years. Recently, with improvements in my swing, a shaft I did not think I liked is now my gamer. I think the point here is that our needs change as our swing changes.
When I am consistently hitting my driver directionally and ball flight wise in a way that I like, then I will invest in a custom fitting. I will ensure that fit performs better then my current driver. I do believe a fit driver for a good player adds yards by optimizing launch angle and spin. For most shooting 100, I don't know that our swings are consistent enough to optimize anything.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
Sometimes it is the Indian, sometimes it is the arrow. Only one way to find out. But, to answer your question, yes, the the advancements in forgiveness between your x2 hot and a 2025 driver will be noticeable.
What we cannot obtain from intelligence, we can learn from experience.
Thanks for the advice guys. I don't feel like my swing is all over the place, but it certainly isn't as consistent as it needs to be. I feel like I hit my irons decent (for me), but I've really struggled with my driver the last 2-3 years.
You can get second hand drivers at huge discounts vs new. Look at last years stuff. Taylor Made Qi10, Callaway, Ping G series. But the shaft can be more critical than the driver head. If the shaft is a bad fit, Scottie might struggle.
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